Laser Report

Just used a laser level / plumb bob for mounting recessed lights in 'exactly' the right place. The job had a rude surprise.

I had carefully made marks on the floor indicating where the lights needed to be placed. With recessed lights, it doesn't take much shifting for their alignment to look sloppy. The plan was to use the laser to transfer my mark to the exact center of the fixtures as I mounted them. Once mounted, the ceiling would be covered in drywall, so it would not be possible to adjust them later.

I had a similar issue with the pendant lights over the counter.

I started with the Bosch GCL-25. I quickly noted that the battery cover kept popping free, dumping the batteries out. Wrap it with tape? Good luck- the tape goes right in front of the 'down' spot. More upsetting was when I discovered it did NOT point vertical. That is, if I turned the level's base so it was aligned in a different direction, the dot on the ceiling moved ... about 1/2" on framing about nine feet above.

The next level I tried was a PLS-5. This laser lists about $100, or 30% more, than the Bosch model. This level was spot on, no matter how I turned the base. It also had a better 'overhang' of the base, making it easier to line up with the marks I had made on the floor.

Plum bobs with a string don't (post #213086, reply #2 of 4)

Plum bobs with a string don't lie (at least when the wind doesn't blow). And the batteries don't fall out either. I used a Dewalt laser plum once, it seemed OK, it wasn't mine, but I thought about getting one for a few seconds after using it.